Colorado gets early commitment

Head coach Dan Hawkins got a clear jump on the 2008 recruit class with an early commitment from Corey Surrency, a JC WR from El Camino (California). Surrency is a highly-touted JC WR. When he begins next season, he will be one of eight wide-receivers. Colorado currently has 4 seniors this season, but only two, Alvin Barnett and Dusty Sprague had major yardage for the team last season. The lack of quality wide receivers is highlighted by Cha’pelle Brown's switch to the position before spring practice this season. The sophomore, a disappointing true freshman cornerback last season, has already caught a 49-yard pass in spring training this year.

This is clearly leaps and bounds ahead of last seasons recruiting where commitments didn't occur until during the season. The pickup of another JC in addition to the three just signed in February 2007 (Chris Perri, Nick Nelson, and Patrick Gates) clearly shows that Coach Hawkins is attempting to fulfill some short term needs of the lack of talent left over from the Barnett era that doesn't quite mesh with Hawkins' offensive style. Also notable is that 3 of these 4 JC transfers are offensive players (Perri is a defensive linemen).

Hawkins' ability to draw and earn commitments from talented players speak volumes in the face of a 2-10 season. The only question that remains is if he can retain commitments if there is little or no improvement this season. Will Hawkins be able to get such talent with just a 6-6 season this year? How long can he sell the "rebuilding" mode?